Australia announced Tuesday it will send another 300 troops to Iraq in a joint mission with New Zealand to help train local forces fighting to reclaim territory seized by the Islamic State group. Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the decision followed a formal request from the Iraqi and US governments with the mission intended to span two years. Ultimately, it is Iraq that must defeat the death ...

Australia's Pat Cummins is set to miss Wednesday's World Cup clash against Afghanistan after the fast bowler's latest injury setback, Cricket Australia said on Monday. Officials said Cummins had suffered a "slight side strain" and was now doubtful for Wednesday's match against tournament debutants Afghanistan in Perth. Cummins scored seven not out and took two for 38 from 6.1 overs on his ...

PERTH, Australia (AP) — The assignment couldn't get much tougher for Afghanistan, taking on Australia at the fast and furious WACA ground only four days after the four-time Cricket World Cup champions lost to co-host New Zealand and a few days before they play Sri Lanka.

Australia's World Cup loss to New Zealand was disappointing but no wake-up call, according to captain Michael Clarke, who said his team remains full of confidence despite the frustrating start to their campaign. Saturday's defeat in Wellington has left Australia fourth in Pool A, after an opening win over England and a match washed out against Bangladesh. The co-hosts' tournament has also been ...

“Further easing of policy may be appropriate over the period ahead, in order to foster sustainable growth in demand and inflation consistent with the target,” Governor Glenn Stevens said in a statement Tuesday after leaving the overnight cash rate at 2.25 percent. The decision was predicted by 11 of 29 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News, while 18 saw a cut. Australia is on track to record an ...

Australia's central bank left interest rates unchanged at 2.25 percent on Tuesday, but gave a clear signal that further easing was on the cards to help drive down the dollar and spur the economy. The Reserve Bank of Australia last month cut rates for the first time in 18 months, dropping its cash rate by 25 basis points to a historic low of 2.25 percent to help drive growth. "At today's meeting ...

Australia on Tuesday ordered China's Evergrande Real Estate Group to sell a Sydney mansion worth Aus$39 million (US$30 million), saying it was bought illegally under foreign investment rules. Cashed-up foreigners, many from China, have been blamed for driving up prices in Australian property markets, particularly Sydney and Melbourne, and placing home ownership out of reach of many locals. Last ...